[blinks.] Dresden![laughs.] I ate like ..20 beignets yesterday! [tilts her head.] And maybe a large bowl of jambalaya.[hangs head in shame.] And some catfish. With etouffee. [whispers.] And a muffuletta with gumbo.

[laughs as she is tossed to the side.][smiles sweetly, ponders.] I think I would like french toast ..with berries.[thinks more.] And biscuits with gravy! And and ..eggs![eyes widen.] And hash browns. With hot sauce. And fried chicken.[is starving.]

Again the creaking floorboards. The once meek girl stood tall and stalked towards the sound, long limb raising the knife for the ready should there happen to be an unwanted intruder. The sound was coming from her room now, however. A deep breath to gather her courage, the half crazed girl reached for the doorknob and turned. What she saw, was unexpected.. to say the least.

"Dresden?" His name left her lips in an accusatory manner. She was anxious, elated, angry. And armed with a very large knife. "What.. what took you so long?"

It suddenly dawns on her that she has 'guests' Dresden might not approve of. That her hair is an unkempt mess. Her clothes almost in ruins.

Fine brow knitted deeply as footsteps were heard upon the second floor. Dita, who was currently in the parlor with her 'guests' and 'god', stood quietly and excused herself. Had someone entered the house from the upper bedrooms? Slender digits wrapped around the handle of a large carving knife as she passed by. She would issue no greeting. Instead, she moved with catlike grace.. and stealth. Up the stairs. Into the narrow hall. Laurel gaze studying the empty corridor, intently.

There was nothing there. As she turned, the light reflected just right against wooden floor to show the dust that had collected, was disturbed. Right outside Dresden's bedroom. Blonde locks whipped violently as Dita's head snapped towards the room at the end of the hall. The present she had left months previous was gone. Had her new 'god' answered her prayers?

It had been almost a year since Dita had seen Dresden last and so many thoughts raced through her mind. It was especially hard as it was Christmas Eve and customary to celebrate on this night. A sad smile touched her lips as she knelt before his bedroom door in the dilapidated house that sat on the outskirts of Paris and placed a small gift there. Dessa may have closed the doors but Dita refused to leave; she wanted to be there should Dresden return.

*Slight mortified look*
Oh..no, we can't. I mean, I'm sure there's a potion I can whip up or something. Just make sure Dita doesn't go in the closet. Her blood smelled fine. I don't think they bit her.*people were easy to kill..but animals? Even animals that were contaminated with deadly diseases.*
Besides, they're kinda cute...when they're not trying to infect people.

*Just finished tossing the monkey that had been attached to Mr.Stills' face into the supply closet next to her room, which had a door in her room*
*opens bedroom door* Incinerator? There's one in the basement...*It was easier to dispose of the bodies on site*
*It's not weird.*
They're currently locked away in the supply closet. While I try and come up with...something. Don't open the door. I don't think I could get them back in if they escaped.

[blink blink.] What's a 'lab'?[processes 'highly infectious and deadly diseases'] I'M GOING TO DIE?[tears the large sweater and very long skirt from her person, her undergarments next, throws them violently at Dresden.] [runs for the shower to boil herself alive.]

[stares at the bag.] Here? Now? In front of you? With the door open? [glances to the door.] Mr Stills' room is a few doors down. Can't I go into your bathroom at least? [gives a pleading gaze then runs to her room.]

[scrunches her nose.] They looked fine. Not sick at all. [frowns.] Mistress Dessa already asked if they had been around the other animals, they haven't. [smoothes her hair, bony fingers pulling through long strands.] I got them from some building with no windows. Is that bad? The people in white coats didn't seem very interested in playing with them. [shrugs.] So I brought them here. So they could play!

[laughs as he compares his boss to Satan ..silly Dresden.][looks at her arms.] NO! The monkeys did this.[probably should explain that there are 7 new animals.] I found some monkeys. Mistress Dessa has them now. They got a bit crazy. I renamed them though. I hope it calms them down. Who'd want Rabies or Ebola as a name anyways ..such weird names.

[a loving smile, Dita glanced from Dresden to the wolf.] What shall we name it? [begins to think they might need to move the animals into the outdoor menagerie.] Oh? Do you not like cats, Dresden?[devious grin.]

[opens her eyes to find a wolf at the end of a leash ..attached to her hand.][might be slightly intimidated by the canine's presence ..in a house of cats.][gives a small, genuine smile to Dresden.] He's perfect. I'll have to keep him away from the smaller animals though. And Bojangles.

[smiles.] Food![tilts head as she ponders his words.] [waits for Dresden to pay.][thinks she would rather it be a surprise.] Yes, I painted myself. Nude. [does not tell him it is in the style of Picasso.]

Dita looked at the woman that suddenly accosted she and Dresden as they took a late stroll. Pushing past the lunatic, the blond turned her gaze upwards.

"It's terribly sad, Dresden, that women who want attention go to such lengths that they have to instigate an encounter with a male by accusing them of such things. Regardless if it happened or not, why would you want to speak to a person ..after they attempted to steal from you? And like a child no less." A devious smile grew upon her lips. "You know my love knows no bounds, Dresden. And that above all else, I'm quite jealous."

She's eyeing his ledger, has been since she entered his room. Dita's seen Dresden write in it before but has never seen where he places the book when he's done with it. She's curious about his work as he never allows to travel to his office with him. "I don't think so Dresden." She sat upright and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You have a fascinating job, you're brilliant. You've traveled extensively, took care of yourself before most learn how." Laurel eyes slip to the ledger once more. "What do you keep in that book, Dresden? You've seen my sketch pads. Why do you never show me what you write in there?"

"Mistress Dessa has a baby monkey." A small laugh bubbled from her lips. "No, I don't have the pink pigeon. I just took a picture. It was fascinating!" Her head tilted back, laurel eyes studying Dresden's face. "I don't make them follow me Dresden, they just do." Honestly, she really didn't know why they followed. Maybe they could sense her loneliness at times. Maybe it was a sandwich she shared with them or the attention she gave. "Maybe they want to live where it's quiet?"

Her head found his shoulder, a smile found her lips at his kiss. Dresden always seemed to know how to calm her and she quickly curled up against his body. "I think I have all of it organized now." Another flash of lightning, another clap of thunder and her head was buried in his chest. "I-I think I'll w-work on s-something tomorrow. Maybe one of the cats. O-or the monkey." Eyes pressed shut tightly, Dita suddenly remembered the pigeon she saw on Oxford Street in London. "Oh Dresden! I saw a p-pink pigeon!"

"I wasn't sure where you went ..I-I got s-so distracted." She was nearly in tears as she slipped inside Dresden's room. Him just being near seemed to calm her though. God forbid a storm occur in his absence. "I-I j-just wanted to s-say th-thank you ..I realized I-I hadn't th-thanked you for the s-supplies when the lightning flashed." She fidgeted with her tee-shirt and sank to the floor to sit by Dresden's feet. "They're amazing ..I love them. But not nearly as much as I love you."

For many hours she inspected and arranged everything Dresden had purchased. A place for everything and everything in its place, so to speak. Dita didn't realize the time even as the shadows stretched and slipped across the floor. Her concentration was only broken when lightning flashed outside the window. There were no shadows left and it was suddenly dark outside. But where was Dresden? Anxiety welled within her. She stopped organizing the room only to turn and begin a rapid journey down the hall towards her guardian's room. "Dresden?!"

She was nearly vibrating with excitement when he teased her about being unexcited and it had taken everything in her not to kick the door down then. With a scowled face, she poked at Dresden's side, tickled him, hoped it would prod him into opening the door. And when he did ..the scowl immediately dissipated. Tears began to well in her eyes as she surveyed the room, all the things she could ever want or need to paint or sketch or sculpt laid before her.

"Dresden," she whispered while her body fought to move forward. "This is utterly ..amazing." Turning to face him, tears spilling forth, Dita attacked Dresden with her body, arms encompassing his neck while lips pressed many kisses to his cheek and lips. "This must have cost a fortune ..you're too kind."

She was teeming with excitement and curiosity, unable to stand still. Could he not tell by how her hand gripped his tighter? Laurel eyes searched frantically for some sign of his surprise but the door was closed tight.

"Yes Dresden!" A laugh carried from her lips while her other hand found his arm. "Quit being such a tease!"

With Dita's stature it took no time to cross the bedroom. It helped that she was curious as to what Dresden had for a surprise. It also frightened her really. He sometimes spent too much on gifts for the girl.

The blond looked up from the magazine she held and gave a small nod to Dresden. She was spending more and more time in her room as of late, too tired or weak from the nightmares she experienced to explore the city in which they lived now. Face gaunt, dark circles under her eyes, Dita gave Dresden a small smile.

[fiddles with the hem of her shirt.] I emancipated them from the Zoo.[peers over the top of the book.] That one I did from memory ..there's a few others. One of you sleeping. One when we were at breakfast.[flips the pages.] There's one I did of Mistress Dessa.

[might be confused.] Dresden, we're at home ..in the yard.[tilts head.] I think maybe you've been working too many long hours.[points to the group of trees.] Friedrich is over there, wandering. I'm disallowed to remove him from the property.

[seethes but follows Dresden back to the house.] If Friedrich eats something poisonous and dies, it's your fault. [adds.] And you can explain to Mistress Dessa why her beloved Panda Friedrich is dead. [sulks.]

[reaches for Dresden as he walks to the bathroom.] No! I'm fine![oh my god he's going into the bathroom.][jumps up and runs down the stairs][slams the front door behind her.][thinks this might be the only way to distract him ..or save herself.]

[runs past Dresden.] WAIT! [thinks.] I need to clean up some of my things in there. [blushes.] Girl stuff. [swallows hard.] Be a dear Dresden and get me something to eat? I'm famished but I want to clear the way first.

[shakes head ..terrified.] No! [calms.] No really Dresden, it is fine. I called a plumbing service. Just waiting for the man to arrive. [distracts Dresden with the thought of a male visiting.][smiles innocently.] Shall we have coffee in the parlor while we wait?

[blushes deeply.] I had to use the restroom and mine ..is broken. [lies ..there's animals hidden away in her bathroom.. nonchalant like.] So I went to use yours and didn't realize you were already there because the light was off and I was suddenly frightened so I froze before running off. [nods.]

[shudders as the cold water cascades over her.][scowls.][grabs the comb from the counter and hands it to Dresden.] If you say so, Dresden. But you have to comb through this. [waves hand around her head, her hair.]

Well, I think it was the least I could do after... *she waves a hand, not really wanting to think about the night she found Dita with Francis* Besides, this place would be awfully quiet with just myself. I am glad to have you both. Even if she does commandeer them, at least I know they'll end up back here.

[eyes wide, she stares as he turns his back.][crouches, leaves bag of dark chocolate covered pretzels at Dresden's feet.] If you say so, Dresden.[smiles, takes a seat by the window, stares at the garden.]

[looks down at the bag she holds.][realises Dresden has a weakness ..and just admitted it.][frowns.] That is awful Dresden ..why would you say that? [might be slightly sad about his revelation.] Is that why you don't go to church with me?[hands over the bag.]

[frowns.] I couldn't sleep Dresden. [smallest of smiles.] I love going places with you ..when you are awake. [largest of smiles.] To be honest, I went to scavenge breakfast. [points to a bag on the table.] Crepes, croissants, other pastries. Coffee is on the table ..on the balcony. I thought maybe we could dine outside?

[stops stuffing her face] Wuhrry? [gazes at, hand slipping quickly to cover her mouth as she chewed then swallowed] They can make food and deliver it to our room? [eyes wide] Anything? Do you think they could make food Oma made?